Human hearts grown in space will save lives says top astronaut

Human hearts could be grown in space to use in transplants and save lives on planet earth, British astronaut Tim Peake said. It's one of the amazing scientific breakthroughs that are only possible in a zero gravity environment.

But the UK risks becoming a second-rate power in space if we fail to invest in space research. Major Peake became the seventh British-born person in space when he flew with American and Russian colleagues to the International Space Station 250 miles above the earth in December 2015, returning in June 2016.

He said space technology had the potential to boost the economy, improve food production and provide health breakthroughs. Major Peake said: "One morning on the space station IU was asked to go to the 3d printer and take out a tool. It was a plastic tool that we needed for an upcoming space walk. That was in 2016.

"Today we're not printing plastic tools. We're printing human organs using bio-ink, which is phenomenal. With the potential in future of course to be printing a human heart for a patient that needs a transplant."

It's easier to create artificial organs in space because gravity can cause them to collapse.

Major Peake said other items that could be created in space included drugs that are more effective, so that lower doses are required with fewer side effects, micro-processors which are more efficient than those created on earth and measures to purify water.

He said space technology included "things that directly improve our life ... most of this will lead to economic growth."

But he warned that UK investment in space research, around £840 million a year, was lower as a proportion of GDP than in other European countries.

"I do think that we are in a new golden area of space exploration with vast potential for the benefits to society," he said.

"That window of opportunity for establishing itself in a leadership role .. is narrowing very quickly. The decisions we do make in the very near future are going to decide whether the UK becomes a first tier nation, who is competitive in space, or whether we end up playing a more supportive role with just niche industries in that sector."

He added: "We clearly need to be competing. There is a window of opportunity to maintain our position."

He was speaking to the House of Lords UK Engagement with Space Committee, which is holding an inquiry into UK space policy and the British space sector.